Method

1 Put the sausage in a large (5-qt) thick-bottomed pot and heat on medium or medium low heat.

Break up the large clumps of sausage and gently cook until lightly browned, rendering out the fat from the sausage. If the sausage is relatively lean and doesn't produce much fat when you cook it, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Note that you are just trying to lightly brown the sausage, not cook it through.

Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. You should have at least one tablespoon of fat or oil left in the pot, if not, add more.

2 Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook on medium heat until translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook a minute more.

3 Add the chopped tomatoes, stock, bay leaves, oregano, and pepper. Bring to a simmer on high heat, reduce the heat to low and maintain a simmer for about 15 minutes.

4 Add the chopped kale, chickpeas, and sausage to the soup. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the kale is tender. Add salt to taste.

Garnish with grated Parmesan to serve.

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Comments

This looks amazing! I love go-to healthy soups like this – perfect for busy week nights. Since you asked…I have one on my site that we I make all the time – 20 minute healthy italian turkey and bean soup. I usually use spinach because I always have it on hand but I’ve made it many times with kale as well with great success.

Not to state the obvious, but this very good recipe only needs the substitution of an equivalent amount of bulk chourico or linguica to become Portugese Kale Soup. Also to bear in mind: chicken broth from your nearest Asian grocery is a very different product than what we get from The Usual Supermarket Suspects, and actually tastes like there was a chicken involved somewhere in the proceedings.

Ooh – this looks so yummy! Headed to grocery store today and more kale is already on my list as I use kale every day for smoothies, but want to try it in this soup as well – thanks for sharing the recipe!

This recipe looks and sounds wonderful! I’m a kale addict and love soup, so I have lots of favorites, but the best loved ones are-minestrone with kale, a sausage kale soup similar to this one, but mine has potatoes and a glug of cream just before serving, a white bean, garlic and kale soup, a lentil kale soup, and a tortilla soup with shredded kale. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Yum!

A yummy way to eat kale is , dip clean leaves of kale into a thin batter made of chickpea flower that is seasoned with some salt , paprika and onion seeds or cumin. Deep fry and enjoy with some ketchup!

I make a similar soup only I use Italian Hot Sausage and Cannellini beans. I sometimes add cubed potatoes, as well. I will have to try it with chick peas. Love all of your recipes, Elise! You made me a huge Kale fan with your Kale, Mushroom and Cheddar Bake. That was devoured standing at the kitchen counter with my husband because we could’nt stop eating it long enough to get it to the table. I make it often.

Elise, I have prepared MANY foods from your blog, But this is by far the best most tasty thing I have prepared. WOW!!!! People if you are thinking about this do it now. The only thing I did different was I put in a whole pound of the sausage. Elise Thank You, Thank You, Thank You !!!!!!!!!!

Last night had a BIG bowl of sausage kale soup (taken from freezer). It always tastes best the day following cooking.I use lentils,and slice instead of crumbling sausage. Not trying to be a person who changes all ingredients in recipes, just giving an idea

I made this soup for lunch today and was I ever pleased! I added a bit more of the Italian sausage and about two more cups of kale. It is now one of my favorite soups! What a delicious way to eat more kale.

I just made this soup for dinner on this cold, snowy night. It is delicious and really hit the spot! I didn’t have any bay leaves so left them out but it was fine. Will definitely be making this again! :)

Pretty similar to a new bedford-style Portuguese kale soup! I like to play around with the sausage (I am not a fan of italian sausage so I go linguica, or a chicken sausage when I want to lighten it up, or this time Evergood’s Garlic Sausage (omg so good). I add veggies I’m in the mood for too – zucchini or mushrooms are frequent additions. And I ditch the tomato entirely half the time (also not a big fan)

Another tip for people looking to watch calories or generally lighten the soup up a bit, Trader Joe’s now has a product called “Umami” in a squeeze tube. I use an inch or two of that instead of parmesan rind sometimes and the effect is very similar. Creates a silky mouthfeel, magnifies the flavors, and saves you on fat content.

I made this last night and while I’ve made soups like this one before this blew me away! I’m not sure if it just really fulfilled a craving I wasn’t aware I had or if the chick peas instead of the usual white beans made that much of a difference but thanks for such a great recipe! I’ll definitely make this again!

Remember to take out the bay leaves prior to adding the kale :) I’ve made this soup numerous times with rave reviews by all. Excellent choice for a cold, wintry day or any time you feel the need for a healthy, comforting bowl of wonderful. I add a pound of spicy Italian sausage and carrots.

I’ve made this soup many times and love it. I love that people say this is the best recipe ever and change half the ingredients.I’m no different 2#sausage, 44oz of diced fire roasted tomatoes with green chilles, two cans od chick peas.maxed out the Dutch oven. Maybe we should say the most inspiring recipe ever.

This is a winter favorite in my house. I have changed it slightly :-) I use fire roasted tomatoes and cannellini beans since my husband doesn’t like chickpeas. I’ve also used spinach instead of kale but I prefer the kale. Thanks for this recipe!!!